How to Surrender Your Indian Citizenship

July 2010

Following a huge public outcry, Indian Consulates in the
U.S., on June 1, amended the recently instituted rules concerning the surrender
of passports by India’s former citizens. First, if a foreign citizenship was
acquired before May 31, 2010, and the Indian passport has already been canceled,
no other action is needed. However, if the Indian passport hasn’t been canceled
yet, a $20 fee is required for doing that and getting a Surrender Certificate
from an Indian Consulate. (Earlier, the fee was briefly increased to $175).

Going forward, if a foreign citizenship is acquired on or after June 1,
2010, the fee will indeed be $175 for canceling the Indian passport and
obtaining a Surrender Certificate.

The other rule applies to foreign
citizens whose Indian passports expired on or after January 1, 2005. If it
wasn’t canceled for up to three years, and was instead used for overseas travel,
there is a fine that depends on the numbers of times the passport was used even
after becoming a U.S. citizen. It ranges from $250 to a maximum of $1250.

Furthermore, according to the Consulate General of India, obtaining the
popular OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card doesn’t change these rules.
Although the OCI card does provide some benefits of Indian citizenship, it
shouldn’t be confused with dual citizenship. Those who have acquired OCI cards
or PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards still need to surrender their Indian
citizenship. Another point is that all canceled Indian passports should be
retained safely, in case there is a future need for consular services.

Non-Indians and former Indian citizens who wish to apply for Indian
visas can contact Travisa (www.indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com) for information
about the procedure.

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